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Debbie Simpson is Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Plan International. Her career has been marked by her passions for diversity, change and growth. Winner of Consulting Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2018 Women Leaders in Consulting, Simpson has been recognised for her role in Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s continued excellence. She brings experience on for-profit and not-for-profit Boards, where she has assumed leadership roles on audit and finance committees as well as supporting compensation, strategy and development efforts. Simpson received her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Duke University and her master’s degree in business from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management.

Here are excerpts from an interview with her:

Plan International Nepal aims to directly impact 700,000 girls and indirectly reach 1.5m individuals during their strategic period. What key tangible outcomes do you envision?

We aim to ensure these individuals have a fair chance at life, equal opportunities, proper rights, and more. Beyond that, we hope to nurture leaders who can make a broader impact on their communities. Our goal is to create an exponential effect, reaching not only the 700,000 individuals directly but also the 1.5m indirectly.

To date, what kind of effects or impacts have you observed in these communities and among the girls?

We’ve been fortunate to meet many members of our Youth Advisory Council in Nepal, each with their own dreams. They’ve gained confidence and clarity about their aspirations while embracing the role of changemakers. Some have engaged with government ministries, while others have taken on leadership roles in their communities. There are so many ways they’re growing, learning, and contributing to making Nepal a more supportive and progressive place.

One of the most remarkable and inspiring programs I had the opportunity to witness in Nepal is the Champions of Change initiative. The members of this program are truly making a difference at the grassroots level by actively working to prevent child, early, and forced marriages. They go door-to-door, engaging with parents, other youths, and community members to campaign against child marriage. Their unwavering determination and willpower reflect their deep commitment to challenging and dismantling harmful traditional stereotypes in their communities. It’s truly impressive to see such dedication driving meaningful change.

Plan International Nepal focuses on youth development and girls’ leadership. How do you see these areas shaping the future of communities in Nepal?

My generation, and a couple of generations before, have left the world in a challenging position. We owe it to the next generation to equip them to take charge, make an impact, and ensure their voices are heard. After all, it’s their planet and their community. To me, youth is everything.

I am confident the world is in good hands after meeting Sikha, a passionate climate activist. Her courage and determination are truly inspiring. She has boldly challenged Plan International's leadership team to collaborate with youth on climate adaptation efforts and to advocate for Loss and Damage initiatives. Sikha’s leadership embodies the power of young people to drive meaningful change and hold us accountable for creating a sustainable future.

The concept of being locally led and globally connected is a positive framework. What excites you most about your impact during your visit to Nepal?

What’s impactful about being globally connected is the ability to share ideas and best practices across locations. For instance, if something works well in Bangladesh, we can adapt and implement it in Nepal, and vice versa. This week, we’re here for a meeting, and one of the exciting things I’ve seen in Nepal is the Champions of Change program. It’s a global initiative, but here, it focuses on adolescent girls, helping them understand themselves, their potential, and how to engage with their communities. It also involves their families—fathers, mothers, and brothers—ensuring a supportive environment. Champions of Change is a perfect example of successful cross-border initiatives.

How is Plan International committed to empowering youth in Nepal and building their capacity through future projects?

Each year, we add around 250–300 girls to our networks. These girls not only receive our support but also learn from one another, forming communities to share and grow their ideas. Over time, this community will grow to thousands—perhaps ten or twelve thousand—and they will become the foundation for the next generation of leaders.

As the CEO of Plan International, what are your key priorities, and how do they align with Plan International Nepal’s goals?

We’re fortunate that our girls' standing strong strategy has been embraced locally. Nepal’s local strategy builds on global priorities while addressing the country’s specific needs. Currently, we’re focusing on responding to humanitarian crises, especially given the increasing risks of climate-related disasters like floods and earthquakes. We’re also prioritizing support for girls in crisis and strengthening our capacity to act quickly in emergencies.

Ensuring accountability for girls’ development is critical. What strategies can strengthen accountability mechanisms in Nepal?

Collaborating with the government is crucial, as they have a responsibility to drive change and provide services. We engage at local, district, and federal levels to influence education and other key areas effectively. Partnering with local organizations also allows us to involve more people in creating solutions, amplifying our impact.

As a global leader, what advice would you give to young women in Nepal aspiring to leadership roles in their communities?

One of the biggest challenges women face is underestimating their own capabilities. Building confidence is essential—believe in yourself, take risks, and understand that you don’t need to be perfect to succeed. Step up, take action, and learn along the way. Confidence and willingness to stretch yourself are key to making an impact.

Plan International’s goals in Nepal seem ambitious. What are the key obstacles you face?

The challenges in Nepal are similar to those in other regions. Progress is often disrupted by disasters, which can set us back significantly. It’s disheartening at times, but we must persist. Developing adaptive leaders is essential—they can guide communities through crises. Funding is another challenge, as resources are often diverted during emergencies. Despite these setbacks, we remain committed to adapting and overcoming.

You recently visited Janakpur. Can you share your experience there?

Janakpur hosts a large, multi-year program focused on marginalized communities, aiming to ensure equality in education and access. Although the program is still in its early stages, we’ve already seen encouraging partnerships among ministers, local governments, and schools. Meeting the youth club at a local school was particularly inspiring. Comprising four girls and four boys, the club gives students a platform to provide feedback to teachers—something quite novel in a traditionally hierarchical setting. Watching their confidence grow and teachers being receptive was remarkable.

How was your experience meeting political leaders and officials there?

Language barriers sometimes hinder the flow of conversations, but the passion for change was evident at all levels. Everyone seemed aligned on the goal; the challenge lies in figuring out how to achieve it. One pressing issue was the shortage of teachers—5,600 students with only 120 teachers is far from ideal. Collaborative discussions about solutions were promising.

The Girls’ Leadership Index report has been released. How do you think such reports contribute?

Indexes and measurements help governments and organizations gauge progress against key metrics. They highlight areas of success and call attention to where improvement is needed. These are vital for bringing about constructive change. 

Nepal has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s inspiring to see the impactful work being done here. Ending early marriage is one of our key goals globally, and we’re working hard in Nepal to raise awareness and implement interventions to address this harmful practice.

Tim Tomlinson is a Professor of Writing at New York University’s Global Liberal Studies Program. He is a co-founder of New York Writers Workshop, and co-author of its popular text, The Portable MFA in Creative Writing. He is the author of the chapbook, Yolanda: An Oral History in Verse; the poetry collection, Requiem for the Tree Fort I Set on Fire; the collection of short fiction, This Is Not Happening to You; and, most recently, the hybrid collection of poetry and prose, Listening to Fish: Meditations from the Wet World. Tomlinson led New York Writers Workshop Kathmandu in May and June where 35 writers from five continents participated. Ken Subedi conversed with Tomlinson about the Kathmandu workshop, his experience in Nepal, his books and his works.

Was this your first time in Nepal? When did you learn about Nepal for the first time?

This is my first time in Nepal. Nepal has been in the background of my consciousness for decades. As a young kid, I knew that people were coming here. Hippies were coming here in the 60s and early 70s. You know well that Cat Stevens’ song “Katmandu” was also based in those times. These things made me wonder about Nepal. I also heard stories about the notorious serial killer, The Serpent.

You are the organizer of New York Writers Workshop Kathmandu and inaugurated Himalayan Literature Festival. Can you please share your experience of the workshop and festival?

The first day of the festival was densely packed. Many moving parts. And I was a bit frantic, putting out brush fires, but things settled a bit on the second day. We’ve been getting lots of positive feedback. I sat in on a couple of panels. The writers we brought here are brilliant and super talented. Hearing from them and knowing that audiences are absorbing all these experiences has been enormously gratifying.

How did you start New York Writers Workshop?

It has been around 24 years now. We started in 2000. We actually taught our first workshop in New York City. A bunch of my friends and colleagues got together and formed our organization. We’d been working for other organizations that did not really respect the life of the writer. We believed we could do better in different ways. We understand the nature of being a writer.

Do you agree that corporations don’t value poetic license?

Absolutely. They value the bottom line. We’re expendable items. I mean any organization you work for, as soon as they’re short of money, fire the writers. No more copies, no more paper clips, you know whatever. Universities exploit the instructors as much as they can. New York City is a smorgasbord of different ethnicities and nationalities. We make no distinction about who comes to our workshops. We offer things to everybody in the population of New York City, which is almost like saying everybody in the whole world. Eventually, we expanded. We went global.

Maybe you started with different places in the USA.  Then you started to move towards other countries.

I married a Filipina and I started travelling quite a bit in Asia. So, I first worked in The Philippines. And the name New York Writers Workshop, it’s kind of a passport to the world. “New York City” resonates all over the world. Within about three years I had been going back and forth between The Philippines, in the universities, in the writing organizations. And then we started the larger conferences, of which this is the largest, the most ambitious one.

You edited a book called The Portable MFA in Creative Writing in collaboration with New York Writers Workshop. You also contributed the “Introduction” and the chapter on fiction. Can you please share some insights about, like how you came up with that book? And why do you think the need to write such a book when there are so many MFAs going on like this? 

That was in 2006. We’d been a teaching organization for six years. And we’d all encountered what we call “recovering MFA’s,” very promising writers who, for one reason or another, couldn’t move from  one sentence to the next. Their MFA programs jammed them up. In my introduction, I say – I want to teach that kind of workshop that I never had. So my approach, our approach, is “how-to,” not “don’t do.” 

It can be an MFA supporting book. So, basically you wrote for MFA graduates when they can’t work on the practical side, and they have only theoretical knowledge.  So, who were your target audience when you started to write? 

Yeah, the target audience was anyone who wanted to write. I had been teaching workshops for probably ten years. So many of my students were saying—when will you get particular exercises in the book? So I brought together some of our instructors where six of us contributed. In my section I included many of the exercises I did in my class.

Do you think that Nepal is worth writing about? 

Absolutely. We’re experiencing dense concentration of a new culture. We’re planting the experience like a seed that, we expect, will grow when we get back to home.

Can you share about your latest book Listening to Fish?

It grew out of my decade’s long experience as a scuba diver. I began scuba diving in the 1970s when the reefs appeared inexhaustible. The places where I dove first, with their dazzling arrays of biodiversity, are now at a tipping point, or past the tipping point. It’s a tragedy, a highly dangerous tragedy.

Maybe it is due to the refineries?

Oh, yes.  There is always some level of natural stress, environmental stress. But the human hand has made natural stress unnaturally stressful to the point that it’s catastrophic. Can the health of the reefs ever be restored? This is an existential question.     

So, your title: Listening to Fish. Is it listening to the grievances or the hardships, sufferings of the fish?

Precisely. If we start to listen to what they can tell us, they will tell us their stresses. They speak in a universal language. Their eyes implore. They seem to say, we’ve welcomed you here, now help us.

And dolphins are also beaching, right?

Coral is bleaching, dolphins are beaching, the sea is going mad.

So you have organized such workshops in many parts of the world. How does it help the literary community? How does it contribute to the craft of a writer? 

There’s an enormous amount of cross-pollination and collaboration. The conferences we did in Greece and Italy led to translations, publications, and community. What we appreciate here is the ubiquity of spirituality. It’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. It’s tangible. I expect some of that sense will filter into the work we all do back home.

And even we will also be indoctrinated with some of the familiar Western tradition and American values also. 

I hesitate to use the word “indoctrinated.” I prefer being exposed to, because we’re here as much to listen and learn and share, as well as teach. Last night, Ravi Shankar read his poem Kathmandu.  He concludes by saying—there must be not power, but compassion. I think travel can induce that. It reveals how much you don’t know.

I know you like different genres at a time. You don’t fix yourself to one category. But what fascinates you the most? Which is more near to your heart?

I would like to write short stories that a reader remembers. Now and then, it gives me the biggest glow. Fiction is the most important, nearest to my heart.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 6. 32 points to close at 2,669.82 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 0. 75 points to close at 454. 91 points.

A total of 8,768,566-unit shares of 303 companies were traded for Rs 4. 41 billion.

Meanwhile, Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 7. 67 percent. Likewise, NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN) was the top loser with its price dropped by 8. 64 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 42 trillion.

Dr Todani Seiji, Yukio Wada, Shinichi Hottaand Sano Hieo visited Nepal to explore opportunities for recruiting Nepali workers for their companies. Dr Seiji is president of Seijinkai Medical Corporation and owner of Todani Hospital in Hiroshima, Japan, was inspired by Dr Iwamura, an assistant professor at his medical school, to donate to Dr Iwamura Memorial Hospital in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Wada, Director of the Nursing Care Division at Daiki Angel Help Co, Ltd, and Chairperson of The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders Association, pioneered a new approach to dementia care in Tokyo and launched the global award-winning Restaurant of Mistaken Orders project. Hotta, MBA graduate from Bond University, Japan, has served as a director and CEO in the healthcare sector. He is currently the Chair of the International Welfare Medical Management Support Association and CEO of Shinichi Hotta Office, Inc and Hideo is a former Japanese government officer. Excerpts:

Dr Todani Seiji

Dr Iwamura served as an associate professor at the Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, where my father studied as a student.

I have heard that when Dr Iwamura first arrived in Nepal, access to running water and electricity was minimal or nonexistent. Despite such challenging conditions, he not only treated illnesses but also focused on educating people about hygiene and providing medical care to improve their quality of life. Dr Iwamura believed that medicine is not solely about curing diseases but also about supporting and enhancing people’s lives. Both my father and I, as physicians, strongly align with this philosophy.

The first step toward progress is implementing a universal health insurance system, enabling citizens to live and work with peace of mind. The next crucial step is improving sanitation. In Nepal, the development of water supply and sewerage systems is of paramount importance.

For the first time in Nepal, we have hired two male caregivers. I hope they will gain in-depth knowledge of Japanese healthcare and hygiene practices and bring that expertise back to Nepal, contributing to the country’s progress.

Yukio Wada

Taking advantage of the privatization of my former employer, the Japanese National Railways, I decided to resign. At that time, I was actively involved in a citizen movement advocating for better train accessibility for people with disabilities. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in social welfare, ultimately leading me to the field of elderly care.  

When I entered this field in 1987, individuals with dementia receiving care at home faced immense challenges. Limited social care systems often left families with no choice but to hospitalize their loved ones when they could no longer manage care at home.  

Over the years, improvements in elderly welfare systems allowed people to transition into elder care facilities. However, the prevailing approach was primarily about “sheltering and protecting” residents. In 1999, a transformative shift occurred with the introduction of group homes for individuals with dementia. These homes catered to smaller groups, focusing on personalized care. This also marked a philosophical change in caregiving—from merely performing tasks for individuals to a supportive model of “watchful assistance”, empowering people with dementia to participate in daily activities and maintain a sense of normalcy within their community.  

In 2003, Japan demonstrated global leadership by replacing the stigmatizing term ‘chiho-sho’ (a derogatory term for dementia) with the more respectful term ‘ninchi-sho’ (dementia).  

Despite these advancements, my innovative caregiving methods faced criticism. After a television broadcast showcased the daily lives of residents in my group home, I was accused of neglect and abuse. Critics argued that allowing residents to make their own choices—such as deciding what to eat, cleaning, shopping, and not locking the facility's front door—was unacceptable.  

The impact of my approach, which contrasted sharply with traditional caregiving practices, drew significant attention, including a full-day observation by officials from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Interestingly, it was the media that most resonated with my initiatives. Television programs and magazines began covering our work, culminating in a feature on NHK’s Professional.  

During the filming, a pivotal moment unfolded. Residents had chosen to prepare hamburg steak for lunch, shopped for ingredients, and cooked the meal with staff. When the food was served, it turned out to be dumplings instead. Initially, the program’s director, Oguni, nearly corrected the ‘mistake’. However, seeing everyone enjoy the meal without concern prompted him to reevaluate his perspective. This experience inspired the concept of ‘The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders’.  

I had also envisioned creating a space where individuals with dementia could work and earn money. Combining this idea with Oguni’s concept, we brought The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders to life.  

The project involves a unique team of professionals outside the healthcare sector, including leading creators from Japan’s top advertising agencies, bringing expertise in launching socially impactful initiatives. We also collaborate with industry organizations, fostering a collective effort to drive change.  

Additionally, we travel across Japan to respond to invitations and media requests, using these opportunities to raise awareness about dementia and caregiving. Our goal is to engage both the general public and professionals in meaningful discussions on these topics.  

Nepal is on the cusp of facing caregiving challenges. While family members will likely remain central to caregiving, I believe the future lies in developing a system where professional caregivers are trained to collaborate with families. This would foster a society that provides better support for care recipients.  

To create a caregiving system tailored to Nepal’s unique needs, it would be valuable to incorporate diverse perspectives, including alternative approaches like mine. Drawing from varied experiences will be crucial to building a caregiving system that effectively supports Nepal’s population. 

Hideo Sano

I visited Nepal for the first time in 1988 while working as a staff member for Fukuoka Prefecture. I came as part of a project to accept technical trainees from Nepal. Compared to that time, Kathmandu now feels like a vibrant city. Today, many Nepali people choose Japan for study or employment opportunities. I hope that more Nepali citizens will continue to come to Japan and contribute to addressing Japan's aging population and low birth rate.

Shinichi Hotta

Many Nepali people are taking advantage of the specific skills program to challenge themselves in Japan’s caregiving sector. Nepali citizens, who are accustomed to living in extended families and have a strong tradition of respecting elders, tend to thrive in this field. In caregiving facilities in Japan, they are performing exceptionally well, often matching or even surpassing workers from other countries. Additionally, Nepali people generally have a high aptitude for learning Japanese, with soft and clear pronunciation. They also tend to avoid self-assertion, which aligns with Japanese cultural norms. This has contributed to the growing popularity of Nepali workers in Japan, with many caregiving facilities hiring them as repeat employees.

Lumbini Lions defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 33 runs on Tuesday.

In today's first match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) held at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground at Kirtipur, the 'all-round' performance by Captain Rohit Paudel contributed to the Lumbini Lions' win.

Chitwan, who were chasing a 168-run victory target posted by Lumbini, could score only 134 runs at the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Luc Benkenstein scored the highest 31 runs for Chitwan. Similarly, skipper Kushal Malla hit 20 runs with the help of one boundary and one six in 17 balls while Ravi Bopara made12 runs in 16 balls.

Captain Paudel took four wickets, Ramon Simmonds two wickets, and Saad Bin Zafar and Abhisesh Gautam took one wicket each for Lumbini. 

Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Lumbini scored 167 runs in the 20 overs, losing six wickets. Captain Paudel scored the highest 80 runs for Lumbini. He hit six fours and five sixes in 68 balls.

Similarly, Zafar made unbeaten 52 runs with the help of four boundaries and one six in 35 balls while Arjun Saud scored 15 runs and Tom Moores made 10 runs for Lumbini.

For Chitwan, Rijan Dhakal took three wickets while captain Kushal Malla and Ranjit Kumar took one wicket each.

With this, Lumbini, which secured their first score, climbed to fifth place.

Chitwan are in third place with three wins and two defeats in five matches they have played so far.

Janakpur Bolts are in the top place of the scoreboard with victory in all matches they have played so far.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 2, 100 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 152, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 150, 100 per tola on Monday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 60 and is being traded at Rs 1,925 per tola today.

Eight persons died while five others sustained injuries in a jeep accident in Rautahat on Tuesday.

The jeep (Ba 16 Cha 3162) heading towards Rautahat from Gadhimai of Bara met with an accident at Lamaha along the East-West Highway.

The passengers were returning home after performing puja at the Gadhimai Temple, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Raj Kumar Rai.

The incident occurred when the speeding jeep hit a roadside tree this morning.

DSP Rai identified the deceased as Ramkumari Devi Mahara, Ram Kumari Mahara, Sakuntala Devi Mahara, Urmila Mahara, Laruwati Devi Mahara, Mahagi Devi Mahara, Phulmati Devi Chamar and driver Sri Kumar Yadav. They are from Arnama municipality-3 of Siraha district.

Similarly, Radha Ram, Aryan Ram, Dev Kumari Mahara, Ritik Mahara and Kanya Devi Mahara, who were injured in the accident, have been sent to Birgunj for treatment.

There are so many décor trends that it’s hard to keep up. The problem with trends is also that it comes and goes and you will constantly have to update your home (and spend a fortune doing so). Décor items also don’t come cheap and you run the risk of buying something that will soon become commonplace as the item becomes popular, thanks to relentless marketing by stores and influencers on Tiktok and Instagram. A trick to making your space timeless is by curating one that is uniquely you. It should make you happy and be visually appealing as well. Here are five ways to do just that.

Go local

Hit the local market. Basantapur in Kathmandu and Mangal Bazaar in Lalitpur are great places if you want to pick up some local handicraft. We recommend brass and bronze statues and flower vases. Bronze ones are actually easier to clean than brass ones and there are many interesting ones available, including but not limited to religious idols. These add a touch of regality to your living space and since most items are handcrafted you won’t find two identical pieces, making yours truly unique.

Invest in a good painting

A painting can elevate the look of your space and make it look interesting. It can also be a great conversation starter for when you have guests at home. However, a rule of thumb while buying a painting is to get one that speaks to you. It has to be something you will enjoy looking at as well as match your décor. Don’t buy something on a whim. Think about it, take your time, and then decide. Scour the Boudha area for some great Tibetan and Buddhist paintings that are vibrant and alluring. You can also commission an artist to make one for your space.

Bring nature in

One of the easiest ways to make your space ooze elegance is by bringing in some greenery. A bunch of houseplants is all your need to bring some cheer into your space. Look for low maintenance ones like the Peace Lily or the Snake plant. These are easy to care for and thrive in low light conditions as well. You can also cut some stems of plants and place them strategically in random corners of your home. These will have to be replaced time and again but it will also give you the option to change things up when you feel like it.

Get your hands on an heirloom

An old clock, a black and white enlarged photo of your ancestors, or a turntable—heirlooms are important pieces of your life story. Not only will it connect and remind you of your family, adding a touch of nostalgia to your life, it will also look and feel great in any setting. Ask your grandparents or parents for anything they might have that they are willing to part with. It could be an old stool that you can use as a nightstand or a low bed that you can fashion into a seating arrangement. Look for old photos that you use to create a gallery wall.

Flowers and candles

We underestimate the power of lighting when decorating our homes. While overhead lighting is important and there are a great many types of sconces and chandeliers available to brighten up your space, candles, in long stands and small bowls, add a lot of charm to your home. Place a few on your coffee table or dining area. Light one at night to give your home a cozy feel. Flowers beautifully compliment candles. The good thing is they last longer during winter so you won’t have to replace them frequently. Get a bunch and put them in large vases in places you can see them easily, along with candlesticks and stands, and watch your space come alive.